Chinese automaker Baojun has unveiled a new electric SUV named Yep Plus. It is an extension of the 3-door Yep launched last year. For the uninitiated, Baojun is a subsidiary of state-owned SAIC Motor, the parent company of MG Motor. In fact, Yep and Yep Plus are based on the same platform as the MG Comet EV, otherwise known as Wuling Air in China.
The 5-door Yep Plus will reportedly go on sale in China in the first quarter of 2024. A test mule of the subcompact electric SUV was recently spotted on Chinese roads. Like its 3-door sibling, the Yep Plus has been developed as part of the joint venture between SAIC and General Motors. In China, it has been priced at 83,800 yuan (equivalent to Rs 9.78 lakh).
Baojun Yep Plus: Design & dimensions
Baojun Yep Plus follows the same design language as its 3-door sibling with its boxy profile courtesy of a flat roofline and upright pillars. Attributes such as the block pattern LED headlights, squared-off wheel arches, roof rails, vertical LED taillights, a flat tailgate, and short overhangs are borrowed from its 3-door version.
That said, visual highlights such as blacked-out pillars, five-spoke grey rims, a white roof, and the lack of an LCD screen on the rear door, differentiates the 5-door from the 3-door Yep. Overall, the Yep Plus gives the impression of a shrunken Land Rover Defender.
In terms of dimensions, at an overall length of 3996mm, the Yep Plus is almost 600mm longer than the 3-door Yep. It also offers a 2,560mm wheelbase, 450mm longer than the latter. . The width and height have also increased by 75mm and 5mm to 1,760mm and 1,726mm, respectively, compared to its 3-door sibling. Yep Plus tips the weighing scales at 1325 kg (kerb).
Baojun Yep Plus: Powertrain specs
Powering Baojun Yep Plus is a rear-axle mounted electric motor which pushes out 75kW (101 bhp). This motor sources its power from a 28.1kWh LFP battery, which claims an estimated peak range of 401 km as per the CLTC cycle. The subcompact electric SUV can clock a top speed of 150 kmph.
Baojun Yep Plus: Will it come to India?
Last year, MG Motor had filed design patents for the 3-door Yep in India. As mentioned earlier, both Yep and Yep Plus are underpinned by SAIC’s Global Small Electric Vehicle (GSEV) platform which also underpins MG Comet EV. This architecture has been significantly localised for the Indian market and is likely to be utilised for newer models in the future.
MG Motor will be looking to bridge the gap between its current EV offerings— Comet and ZS EV– and, therefore, the Yep range could be a perfect fit. However, it is unclear as to when and which model will make it to India. MG is reportedly working on another entry-level EV codenamed E260 which is likely to be the E260. If the 5-door Yep Plus makes it to Indian shores it will lock horns with Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400.
